What to Wear as a Fall Outdoor Wedding Guest

Deciding what to wear to a fall outdoor wedding can be a challenge. Fluctuating temperatures make choosing a single outfit even a few weeks in advance feel impossible! You want to be prepared for both a sunny ceremony and a chilly breeze after the sun goes down.

Embrace Fall

After a summer filled with revealing cutout dresses, embrace the romantic cuts and colors of fall outdoor wedding attire. This is the season to reach for rich jewel tones, such as emerald, navy and eggplant. Deep greys are also appropriate. You’ll stand out from nature’s rust-colored leaves and golden grasses without clashing.

Bold patterns, textures, metallic accents and detailed embroidery help you transition from summer fashion, without looking stuffy or winter-ready.

Fall fabrics are excellent for keeping you warm as a guest at an outdoor ceremony or reception. Just like the rich colors and patterns popular during fall, the season’s fabrics are luxurious as well. Velvet, satin, silk, lace and fine merino wool are popular choices.

If you’re worried about being chilly in a dress during an outdoor fall wedding, opt for a jumpsuit. You can easily sneak a pair of leggings under an ankle-length jumpsuit for extra warmth.

Be Flexible

When shopping for what to wear to a fall outdoor wedding, look for a dress you can pair with different accessories, depending on the weather forecast. If possible, choose something that will look great with heels or boots and can be worn with or without a jacket.

Don’t limit yourself to sleeveless dresses. Cap sleeves, half sleeves and three-quarter sleeves are all fall-appropriate. They’ll help fight off a chill, without limiting your moves on the dance floor like a jacket might.

Accessorize

After a summer of sandals, wear your favorite booties or pumps to fall outdoor weddings. You’ll be glad you did when walking through damp grass and fallen leaves. To keep your shoulders warm, opt for a jacket that adds to, rather than detracts from, your outfit. Cropped jackets, patterned wraps and warm scarves are all options. Your accessories can be bold: swap silver accents for gold; mirror patterns in your dress with geometric jewelry; and carry a unique clutch.